13 September 2018

AMSTERDAM- Fashion for Good and ZDHC are looking for innovators at the forefront of safer chemistry. In this joint call for applications, companies run for selection into the 3-month Fashion for Good-Plug and Play Accelerator, as well as a chance to participate in the exclusive “Friends of ZDHC” event on 7^th of December 2018 in Amsterdam.

The Fashion for Good-Plug and Play Accelerator is a 12-week curriculum that offers the opportunity to work alongside Fashion for Good; C&A Foundation and corporate partners adidas, C&A, Kering, Galeries Lafayette, PVH Corp., Target and Zalando. The programme accelerates and scales innovation.

Selected innovators will not only have the opportunity to join the Fashion for Good-Plug and Play Accelerator but will also be invited to the exclusive “Friends of ZDHC” event on 7th of December 2018 in Amsterdam. This annual gathering is the premier industry event on sustainable chemicals management and ZDHC implementation in the fashion industry. The by-invitation only event will see leaders of the sector come together for discussions on opportunities, challenges, best practices and innovations regarding the use of safer and more innovative chemistry. Selected innovators will be offered the stage to present their journey and solutions to an exclusive audience of around 150 sector representatives.

Fashion for Good and ZDHC are collaborating to combine global networks and sector expertise to help both identify the most groundbreaking innovations the help phase out of hazardous chemistry. Fashion for Good and ZDHC identify dyeing, finishing, tanning and fibre production as key enabling areas for replacement of hazardous chemicals. Innovations In these areas can also save water and energy. Details on the search areas can be found below. The partners invite innovations related to a chemical product substitution, a process, technology or a material, or a combination thereof. Innovations may be at the bench, pilot phase, or ready to scale. If you know of an innovator active in one of these areas, find out more and apply for the next Fashion for Good-Plug and Play Accelerator here.

Dyeing

• New dyeing methods that save water or hazardous chemical use
• Solvents and auxiliaries that can safely enter biological systems
• High performing natural dyes
• Recycling/de-dyeing techniques that allow for colour matching of light shades

Finishing

• Water, stain and/or oil repellent finishes or stain release agents that are PFC-free
• Sustainable finishes that specifically target antimicrobial or fire retardant resistant properties without the use of restricted chemical substances in particular heavy metals and chlorinated organics
• Halogen-free bleaching methods for denim finishing

Tanning

• Sustainable tanning methods for leather free of Chromium and other heavy metals with performance characteristics meeting or exceeding those of Cr-tanned leather
• Fibre production – elastic/spandex
• DMAC-free or solvent-free production of elastane.

About ZDHC

The ZDHC Foundation oversees implementation of the Roadmap to Zero Programme and is a global industry collaboration of currently 111 contributors (25 brands, 70 value chain affiliates, and 16 associates) within the sports, fashion, luxury and outdoor industry. The vision is widespread implementation of sustainable chemistry, driving innovations and best practices in the textile, apparel, leather and footwear industries to protect consumers, workers and the environment. ZDHC takes a holistic approach to sustainable chemical management and enables tangible progress in the wider industry by a number of reference guidance and practical tools, capacity building and innovation projects. More information about ZDHC at www.roadmaptozero.com.

Not for publication:

The ZDHC Foundation
Alisa Münsterberg
media@zdhc.org